The Washoe County Sheriff's Office participated in a Joining Forces speed enforcement campaign during the first two weeks of June as part of ongoing efforts to increase public safety by reducing the number of accidents and injuries caused by driving over the posted speed limit.

From June 2 through June 15, the Sheriff’s Office joined the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department and Nevada Highway Patrol for a high-intensity traffic enforcement campaign focusing on the importance of observing speed laws to help keep Washoe County roads, and those who use them, safe.

Sheriff's Office patrol staff assigned to this Joining Forces campaign initiated a total of 230 traffic stops. Although a driver may be stopped for one violation, several other violations may be observed during the subsequent investigation making it possible that a driver may be issued citations for numerous violations.

The total number of violations cited and warnings issued during this event was 293. The majority of those citations, 174, were issued for speed violations.

Sheriff’s Office participation in this Joining Forces speed enforcement campaign was made possible by grant funding received from the Nevada Department of Public Safety/Office of Traffic Safety.

Joining Forces is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement program that promotes statewide enforcement in the areas of: DUI, distracted driving, seat belt, and speed and pedestrian safety. The goal of these enforcement campaigns is to save lives by increasing public awareness about the dangers of making poor choices while driving.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office celebrated 150 years of proud service and community partnership in 2011. Sheriff Chuck Allen is the 26th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County. His office continues to be the only full service public safety agency operating within northern Nevada and is responsible for operating the consolidated detention facility, regional crime lab, Northern Nevada Regional Intelligence Center, Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, court security, service of civil process and traditional street patrols.